With all the new sports cars, muscle cars, and drift machines that have rolled out of the factories as of late, car enthusiasts are truly inundated with options. Of the litany of vehicles to be released this year, many of you may be eyeing-up a 2020/2021 Dodge Challenger.
We love the Challenger, but (for the current MSRP) we know that you could get a much better, faster car. However, they're all used, so they're not going to have the same zero-mileage, 'fresh-off-the-production-line' feel that a 2020 Dodge will give you.
So, if that's not a deal-breaker, allow us to showcase these badass European sports cars you can get for the same price as a new Challenger.
10 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (R230)
If you're going to get a Mercedes-Benz, you really can't do much better than an AMG-tuned model (not including Maybach). We're in love with a few, including the old Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG.
With an appearance reminiscent of the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, the SL55 AMG is quite the looker. If the aesthetics of this cruiser/roadster isn't enough, consider its massive 5.5-liter V8 power-unit. Combined with the stock supercharger and you've got a car that can hit 202 mph.
9 2014 Porsche Boxster
For those of us who can't afford a $100,000 plus, brand new Porsche 911, the idea of getting an authentic Porsche can feel far fetched. Though a 2020 911 is out of the question, a used Porsche Boxster isn't.
To be more specific, the 2014 Porsche Boxster. Six-years has passed since its release, which has finally brought down the Boxster's price to a reasonable level - Around $35,000. With a car like that, a Dodge Challenger has no chance...
8 2016 Jaguar F-Type Base
Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't recommend many Jaguar's, as they're not the most reliable vehicles out there. However, this isn't a 'normal' Jaguar, this is an F-Type.
Contrary to the average Jaguar vehicle, the F-Type is a 50-50 mixture between performance and luxury, not just the latter. Because of this, the F-Type has soared in popularity since its 2014 release. Even Jeremy Clarkson lauded Jaguar's engineering on F-Type; expressions of happiness and exhaust popping galore.
7 2006 Lotus Elise Roadster
Although the Lotus F1 team is now gone, we will always love the company for what they'd achieved in the past. The new models don't need to be great, so long as you can return the the classics, such as the '06 Lotus Elise Roadster.
Everything that's wrong with the new Lotus (technological add-ons, poor performance, and less-than-appealing looks, etc.) is absent in the older Elise's. It's simply a bare-bones track toy. No unnecessary assists or on-board computers. Just you and the car working together in harmony. If only more cars nowadays were as analog as the 2006 Elise.
6 BMW E92 M3
Next up is (perhaps) the last REAL M3 to grace our presence: the BMW E92 M3. Now, that's not to say the newer versions are terrible, they just lack the ferocity of an E92, in our personal opinion.
Today, the M3 is just a sedan; nothing like its older E92 sibling. While the new ones have turbocharged six-cylinders, the E92 M3 came with a massive V8. Not only did it make the M3 a bit more aggressive, it also made it feel like a 'muscle car/supercar hybrid.'
5 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C
Where the Italian carmaker FIAT fell short, Alfa Romeo soared. Though, that was for a limited time, as Alfa is seeing a serious drop off in new car purchases as of late. As bad as it may be for Alfa Romeo, it's still a golden opportunity to us budget car enthusiasts.
Thanks to the depreciation on Alfa Romeo's, you can now get a (almost) new 4C/4C Spider for a shockingly low rate - $30,000 to ~$40,000. That's a pretty good deal, particularly when you take into account its original M.S.R.P.
If you do decide to go down the Alfa route, know this: the 4C is a bare-bones sports car (like the Lotus Elise). It's not going to have the roar of a 7-liter V8 or the size of a modern muscle car. Instead, it's quick off the line, maneuverable, and devoid of driver assists.
4 1991 Audi 100 S4
If it's a badass classic you're after, may we present this beauty. Of all the Audis produced, their older models are still some of the coolest (i.e. the Quattro, R15, and RS2 Avant). Sadly, these cars are far too costly for the average consumer, so we'll have to settle for something cheaper.
Fear not, there's plenty of fish in the sea, especially when it comes to old Audi's. If we were to pick one (for the price of a Challenger or less), we'd certainly go for the 1991 Audi 100 S4 - Then competitor to BMW's E30 M3.
In a strange move by Audi, they fitted the 100 S4 with a five-cylinder engine, boosted with a turbocharging system. It's definitely unorthodox, but cool at the same time!
3 2014 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63
Remember what we said earlier in regards to our favorite Mercedes'? Well, other than the aforementioned SL55 AMG, we also adore the 2011 to 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63.
Until our final days, we will always love the AMG C63. Not only for its looks or brand, but for its incredibly strong and beautiful 6.3-liter V8. In short, it's as if an American muscle car was body-swapped with a Mercedes-Benz. It's got the speed of a supercar, comfort of a Maybach, and an engine-note out of a Challenger Hellcat.
2 Porsche 911 Carrera (997)
As we'd stated previously with the 2014 Porsche Boxster , a brand new 911 Carrera will cost leagues more than your base-level (or even the highest trim model) Dodge Challenger. Though, as was the case with the Boxster, the solution can be found in a used 911.
As is the case with most European sports cars, depreciation kicks in pretty quickly. Albeit, to a lesser extent with 911's than a Boxster. The 996-body was the cheapest, newest option for those who wanted one on a budget; replaced now by the 997 models.
Sure, the Porsche 996's are still at rock-bottom prices, but their capabilities pale in comparison to an updated 997.
1 1989 Ferrari Mondial T Cabriolet
"Woah! Hold on a moment. A Ferrari for the price of a new Dodge Challenger? That can't be right!" Well, hypothetical reader, that's exactly what we have here. We present the Ferrari Mondial S Cabriolet...
However, the Mondial isn't your normal Ferrari. In fact, it's one of their least-liked models to date. Though a bit undeserved, since it is a classic Ferrari, after all.
On a good day, a Mondial will certainly outperform a Challenger. If that's not enough, it's a FERRARI! Getting any kind of Prancing Horse for less than $40K is a steal in our book.